Experiences in Piacenza
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Piacenza
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Piacenza: Tours & Experiences
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Frequently asked questions
Piacenza lies where Emilia meets Lombardy, on the banks of the Po. Its hills and valleys hold dozens of castles and fortified villages, many still owned by noble families and open for guided visits. Castle tours and experiences around Piacenza are listed below.
About Piacenza
The Romans founded Piacenza in 218 BC. In the centre, Piazza Cavalli takes its name from two bronze equestrian statues of the Farnese dukes, and the huge Palazzo Farnese holds the city museums. The Ricci Oddi gallery displays Klimt's Portrait of a Lady, which was stolen in 1997 and found again in 2019.
South of the city, the Val Trebbia follows the river towards the medieval town of Bobbio and its humpback bridge. The province is part of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza circuit, with fortresses such as Rivalta, Castell'Arquato and Vigoleno. The local hills produce Gutturnio and Ortrugo wines.
What to expect on a Piacenza experience
Experiences near Piacenza focus on history and the countryside:
- Castle visits — guided tours of furnished halls, towers and old prisons.
- Valley trips — the Val Trebbia, Bobbio and medieval villages.
- Food and wine — cured meats, Gutturnio wine and local pasta.
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are best for castles and valleys. Many castles open on weekends and holidays and have shorter hours in winter, so check opening days before you go. Summer is good for the swimming spots along the Trebbia river.
Getting around
Trains reach Piacenza from Milan in 40 minutes to an hour, and from Bologna in about 1 to 1.5 hours. The centre is easy to walk. For the castles and valleys, a car is the most practical choice, because public transport to the villages is limited.
